Kigali, Rwanda — October 10, 2025 — In a landmark ceremony held yesterday, Prof. Egara Kabaji, a distinguished Kenyan scholar and literary figure, was formally installed as the Chancellor of Mount Kigali University. The event marks a significant step in the university’s drive to establish itself as a leading center of research, writing, and innovation across Africa.
The installation was officiated by Dr. Innocent Mugisha, Chair of the University Governing Body, who described the occasion as a “defining milestone for the university.” He affirmed the institution’s commitment to safeguarding academic freedom and enhancing accountability under Prof. Kabaji’s leadership.
From Scholar to Steward: The Vision of Prof. Kabaji
Prof. Kabaji brings to the role over three decades of experience in higher education, mentorship, and African literary scholarship. Before this appointment, he served as Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. He is also widely recognized for his contributions to African literature and the preservation of indigenous knowledge systems.
He holds a PhD in Folk Media and Communication from the University of South Africa (UNISA), an MBA in Strategic Management from Jomo Kenyatta University (JKUAT), and advanced degrees in literary studies and education from Kenyatta University.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Kabaji described his new appointment as both “historic and transformative.” He challenged the academic community to rethink the role of African universities in global knowledge creation and lamented the fact that less than 3% of global scientific publications currently originate from Africa — a disparity he pledged to help reverse.
Early Commitments & Institutional Innovation
As one of his initial acts as Chancellor, Prof. Kabaji announced a personal donation of KSh 2 million to establish two internationally indexed academic journals — one for the humanities and social sciences, and the other for science, technology, and innovation. He also committed to founding Mount Kigali University Press as “the intellectual engine of the university.”
Moreover, he donated multiple copies of his 52 published works to the university library, underlining his belief in accessible knowledge and scholarly exchange.
He also delivered a stirring message to the university community:
“Let us write. Let us research. Let us publish. Let us dream. Let us make MKU Kigali a lighthouse of knowledge shining from the heart of Kigali to the rest of the world.”
Institutional Endorsements & Future Outlook
Prof. Simon Gicharu, founder and Chairman of the Board overseeing Mount Kigali University, hailed the installation as a testament to the institution’s expanding influence. He called Prof. Kabaji “a visionary leader whose work transcends borders,” and emphasized that the new chancellor’s passion for writing, mentorship, and scholarship provides critical direction for MKU’s mission.
Under Prof. Gicharu’s statement, Prof. Kabaji’s appointment is an expression of Pan-African intellectual independence:
“We face neither East nor West. We face forward.”
Mount Kigali University itself has been undergoing notable transformation in recent years, expanding its infrastructure with new teaching blocks, modern hostels, a medical center, and even a media platform (Royal FM). Plans are in place to scale postgraduate programs, establish centers of excellence, and promote a robust culture of scholarly writing and African authorship.
See this source
